Understanding the Symbols in ⓁⒶⒸⒺ knitting patterns

Knitted lace incorporates two simple knitting techniques: a yarn over (which is an increase that creates a small hole) and a decrease. There are many different symbols used in lace patterns, each with their own unique meaning and significance.

Here are some of the most common symbols used in lace patterns

🌀 Basic symbols

Language of knitting patterns

Symbol

Abb

Explanation

	Co	Cast on
	Bo	Bind off
	M	Place marker
	Sm	Slip marker
		Move marker left
		Move marker right
		Short row right
		Short row left
	K	Knit
	P	Purl
	K tbl	Knit through the back loop
	P tbl	Purl through the back loop

🌀 Yarn over symbols

Language of knitting patterns

	Yo	Yarn over
	Yo x2	Yarn over twice
	Yo x3	Yarn over three times
	Yo x4	Yarn over four times
	Yo x5	Yarn over five times
	Yo x6	Yarn over six times
	Kyok	Knit one, yarn over, knit one in the same stitch
	Pyop	Purl 1, yarn over, purl 1 in the same stitch

🌀 Decrease symbols

Language of knitting patterns

	Ssk	Slip slip knit
	K2tog	Knit two stitches together
	Twisted ssk	Twisted slip slip knit
	Twisted k2tog	Twisted knit two stitches together
	Ssp	Slip slip purl
	P2tog	Purl two stitches together
	Sssk Sk2p	Slip slip slip knit Slip 1, knit 2 together, pass slipped stitch over
	K3tog	Knit three stitches together
	Sssp	Slip slip slip purl
	P3tog	Purl three stitches together
	S2kp	Slip two stitches knitwise, knit one, pass slipped stitches over

	sl2 p1 p2sso	Slip 2 purl 1 pass 2 slipped stitches over
	K4tog	Knit 4 together
	K5tog	Knit 5 together
	K6tog	Knit 6 together
	K7tog	Knit 7 together

If you're looking to elevate your knitting expertise and learn other techniques, these resources may be helpful to study:

1. Knitting Abbreviations
2. Cabel Symbols
3. Brioche Symbols
4. Advanced Symbols

Note: Different patterns may use different symbols, so it's important to read the key or legend that accompanies each pattern to understand what each symbol means.